Different Types of Helmets: Importance and Effectiveness

When riding a bike, having a dependable and high-quality helmet is crucial. When an accident or other impact crash occurs, it shields your head and face. For this reason, the helmet you wear on your motorbike should be strong, safe, and cozy. In the market nowadays, there are many various kinds of motorcycle helmets.

The forms, sizes, and safety features of these vary, even though they all serve the same purpose. In order to choose the greatest bike helmet, you need to be well informed about them. 

Everything you need to know about the differences as well as parallels amongst these kinds is included in this article, which starts with the following list:

• Full-face helmets

The rider’s whole head and face are protected by the full-face helmet. It provides the maximum amount of covering for your neck and head. As a result, it is regarded as the safest kind of helmet to shield you from harmful accidents.

In the event of an accident, it protects the jaw and chin from potential damage. Its adequate protection from wind, rain, and outside noise makes it the perfect helmet for two-wheelers. These helmets provide the best head protection whether you’re riding a long distance or commuting every day.

Depending on your preferences and the kind of bike you ride, full-face helmets range in price from inexpensive to expensive and loaded with features. It’s the safest helmet, but for certain riders, it could seem stifling.

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• Open-face helmets (Half-face)

It protects just the head, forehead, and ears, as the name would imply. Because they are lightweight, these helmets are particularly pleasant for quick travels. Given that it exposes the rider to potential injuries by leaving their chin and jaw uncovered, it might not be the most secure helmet.

However, it is a well-liked option for city dwellers since it provides comfort in congested traffic and hot weather; lower-speed scooter and bike users particularly like it. But since it simply protects the head, as previously indicated, it could not offer the rider the best protection possible.

• Modular helmets

The greatest features of open-face and full-face helmets are combined in modular designs. The visor and chin guard may be flipped up to provide the impression of an open-face helmet, hence the name “flip-up” helmets.

Similar protection to full-face helmets is what they are intended to provide. Due to the hinge that makes it easier to operate the chin guard, they are somewhat heavier.

Although they can be more reasonably priced than some of the high-end full-face helmets, they usually cost a lot more than open-face caps. Despite being widely used in India, adventure bike riders, tourers, and long-distance travelers are the main users of inexpensive modular helmets.

Also Read: Top 10 Must-Have Bike Gear Essentials for Rainy Season

• Half-shell helmets

Riders are more likely to sustain serious injuries when wearing half-shelf helmets, which only protect the skull and leave the chin, neck, ears, and mouth exposed. They are not the best helmets because of their lower safety factor, even if they provide the most visibility.

In addition to being inexpensively made and requiring less room to store, they are lightweight. Wearing them is also simple. Yet, because they do not fully shield the rider’s head, they are less effective than a full-face helmet.

• Off-road helmets

Helmets for biking is another name for off-road gear. Off-road helmets are lighter, more breathable, and made for optimal comfort so that you can breathe comfortably in circumstances where riding a bike off-road requires greater physical effort.

A sun peak and a lengthy chin guard are features of these one-piece helmets. There are no visors on these helmets since they are not meant to be worn at fast speeds. For protection against wind and dirt, an additional goggle is utilized instead.

Cleaning the goggles and using them again is much easier as a result. Yet cycling at fast speeds might make the sun peak difficult. It’s dangerous since this may easily force your head back and forth.

Don’t wear your bike helmet for long-distance riding or tarmac racing; instead, make sure it fits properly if you intend to ride off-road.

• Dual-sport helmets

Although they have been built for usage on streets at modest speeds, dual-sport helmets are generally identical to dirt bike or off-road helmets. For gentle off-roading, they are appropriate.

The increased airflow and face shield or visor of these helmets make them suitable for long-distance riding as well. When the visor or shield is not in use, it can be flipped up.

These helmets, in contrast to off-road helmets, include a built-in chin protection. Not as intrusive as off-road variants, they also feature sun peaks. Given that they serve two purposes, such helmets for bikes are pricey and require regular upkeep.

Also Read: Best Looking Bikes in India: Top 7

Some guidelines for selecting the appropriate kind of helmet

The following elements are important to take into account while choosing a helmet.

• Correct fit in terms of size and shape: Select a headgear that fits your head comfortably. Pick a size that fits properly rather than going up in size. It will fit your skull exactly in the end, even if it seems tight at first and you might think it’s smaller.

• Cushioning and inner liner: It is important to select a helmet with washable and replaceable inner cushions for the inner liner and padding. Your helmet will remain odor-free and spotless as a result.

• Safety certification: Make sure the Indian Standard Institute (ISI)-certified helmet you select meets safety requirements.

• Visors: As nighttime and precipitation can impair eyesight, make sure you get a transparent visor rather than one that is smoked or has a mercury tinge. Choose a visor with an anti-fog insert option and scratch resistance as well. 

Conclusion

Choosing wisely to ensure safety when riding, selecting the appropriate helmet is essential. Considerations should be made for things like visor quality, inside lining, safety certification, and proper fit. 

Remember that a headgear is not just an essential accessory but also a life-saving tool. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or a regular commuter, safety should always come first. Make an investment in a helmet that fits your needs.

Frequently asked questions

How do I measure a helmet and find the perfect size? 

Using a measuring tape, determine the circumference of your head above your eyebrow, or the measurement around your head. Compare the size to the helmet manufacturer’s published sizing chart. This will indicate if you need to purchase a small, medium, large, or other size helmet. 

Do I need to wear a helmet all the time? 

Yes, a helmet can prevent major injuries, therefore wear one anytime you ride a two-wheeled vehicle. In India, it is required to wear a helmet. If this isn’t done, there will be consequences, including imprisonment.

Are half-face helmets allowed to be used in India? 

If the helmet is approved through the ISI for usage in India, then you are able to wear an open-face or half-face helmet.